Only Game 6 guarantees: Lundqvist, Richards will play their best

After a light and loose practice at the Garden, the Rangers issued no guarantees on the eve of Game 6 in New Jersey. Tomorrow, of course, is the anniversary of Mark Messier’s hat trick, meaning today is the anniversary of the captain’s guarantee. But this group’s two leaders, Ryan Callahan and Brad Richards, just smiled and dismissed it when pressed to see if they’d bite.

The closest thing to a guarantee came from a relatively expansive John Tortorella, although it had nothing to do directly with the outcome of tomorrow night’s game in Newark. Tortorella was asked about Henrik Lundqvist rebounding from perhaps his worst performance of the postseason and had this to say:

“He’ll play his best game tomorrow night.”

Same goes for Richards, whose stellar form from the first two rounds has yet to surface in this series. Richards seemed particularly ineffective in Game 5 when, as the joke goes, his most dangerous shot on net was fired at his own goaltender.

“I expect him to play his best game, too,” Tortorella said. “He will find his way. I know his makeup.”

As you’d expect, the coach also sidestepped comparisons to the 1994 team, particularly the fact that this one finds itself in such a similar situation being down a game in the conference finals as it heads to New Jersey. He said that memory meant a lot outside the Garden and is significant to the media, but not him and his club.

“Not to disrespect what happened there, but that has nothing to do with how we’re preparing,” he said.

UPDATED, 3:56 p.m.: In Newark today, Martin Brodeur said 1994 had “nothing” to do with this series.

“I don’t see anything that is similar,” Brodeur said. “I know if you guys look at it, it looks the same. But it’s different teams and a different way of playing the game. That’s 18 years ago. That’s a long time. I know I’m feeling a lot different. I’m feeling a lot more appreciative of what’s going on.”

Brodeur also said he and his team had no knowledge of Messier’s guarantee until after the game.

“We didn’t even know before the game was ended that he made a guarantee,” Brodeur said, adding: “I don’t recall it having an effect on us at all. But I think at the end of the game everybody made a big deal out of that. If he really said it, that’s a pretty gutsy thing to do.”

Other notes…

• Michael Del Zotto was the only regular who did not skate at practice. Del Zotto was not at the Garden at all today, although the club would not say where he was. (Remember: His grandmother passed away over the weekend.)

• Every other forward and defenseman who has played this postseason was on the ice, including Lundqvist and the recovering Brandon Dubinsky. Mats Zuccarello (wrist) skated with the team as well and told reporters he would be ready to play if called upon.

• Tortorella said he liked the look of some of the new line combinations he unveiled in Game 6, but didn’t like others. Callahan thought his line with Artem Anisimov and Dubinsky not only produced chances but kept the puck in its offensive zone effectively. Presumably, the coach agreed, but he wasn’t about to admit what he liked and what he didn’t.

177 Comments

Sounds like a good and confident torts. I dont think there is any room for Zucc. who can you take out? I know the easy answer is Rupp, but he has that veteran experience and leadership that can be acalming influence on the bench

Yea – the veteran stuff and the clutch ability make me think Rupp has to stay in the lineup. He did really piss me off last night though. I thought he was amp’d up from his previous antics and focusing way too much on hitting and got away from what made him stand out in limited ice time earlier in the series.

Edzo was actually playing in that game. I believe that was the one game he did play. I remember his celebrating after Messier scored his 2nd. So apologies to Señor Olzcyk for assuming he was in the press box.

Its hard to fathom Marty was playing back then. I love Hank, but an AHL goalie and a Senior Citizen have stacked up quite well vs him. Its a wierd position to pay that much money. I hope he restructures his cap hit.

I’ve been avoiding the blog this post-season because I don’t do well with the Chicken Littles that come out for the playoffs only. I will only leave my message as follows. No matter what happens tomorrow night (and as much as I hate the Devils), this Rangers team has had one hell of a season and has made me proud to be a Rangers fan. If they go down, so be it. I know they’ll go down swinging. Remember, this is the first time the franchise has made it this far in the playoffs since 1997, and this team should be as good or better for a few years to come (Kreider is JUST getting his feet wet and this defense is SO young, still). Look back on this season with fond memories (Winter Classic, anyone? – beating the Flyers 6 times!) because years like the ones we had pre-lockout are not fun to follow!

slaw – goalies don’t play each other – if you want to give credit to the opposing team’s goalie, that’s one thing, but to say that our goalie is out-played by the other team’s goalie isn’t truly a fair assessment. If they were both facing the same shooters with the same defenses in front of them, I would call that a better comparison. The fact of the matter is this: if not for Lundqvist, the Devils would already have knocked the Rangers out of this tourney.

Carp – if the Rangers don’t win the next two. A Fighting Sioux player will put his name on the Stanley Cup. Parise & Zajac or Greene …. one has to look at the bright side of a loss. In the end it is just a game, and at the end of the season their is only 1 winner.

As a bonehead of this blog, and a Ranger fan for life…. I really DO think the Rangers are going to win the next game.

I also think the Rangers REALLY DO need to sign Parise if he becomes available July 1st.

I’m all for the “great season no matter what” idea. I think we long ago hit the “gravy” part of this year… I still see a fatigued team out there- no other way to explain the lack of an all out assault following the “Brodeur gift” that tied the game (in fact, it seemed to me, that with the game tied both teams reverted to playing the way they had previously in the series-NYR defensive bent NJ attack mode)- Fatigue also might explain wide open forwards in front on the net, and a pass from the right wing corner that passes untouched all the way to the left post for the winning goal against. The guys are fighting it, though, and they have more than earned the benefit of a doubt- Anniversary of the Messier guarantee brought out a caller who complained that there isn’t one player on the team who could ever score three goals in a game. Probably right, I thought, but maybe Marty could. He has as many goals for us in this series as anyone but Kreider. Sigh… he finally made the PLAY last night I was waiting for and we didn’t take advantage.

I mean, I didn’t find out about it until right before the game. Back in 94 it’s possible he didn’t hear about it (although I think they did). In today’s world of social media, no way in hell would he not hear about it haha

I was thinking about the irony that could rear its head in the off-season. If we lose this round and the Devils wind up the cup winners, will we wind up double losers if Parise considers Jersey’s post-season success as a major factor in his free agent negotiations? And the real irony would be if we win, we will have done it without Parise, so wouldn’t that also somewhat diminish the importance of the Rangers’ need for him? I’m not saying he wouldn’t immediately improve this team and provide an instant upgrade from any players that won’t be returning next season, but doesn’t it still make you go hmmmm…….?

Hank seems like a guy who would want to be a NYR for life, if given the option. Not saying he doesn’t deserve a raise, but if the Rangers remain competitive is it really worth it for him to bail to get more money? I don’t know the guy, but I think he will do what it takes to win and be reasonable given the salary cap. Could be dead wrong, but that’s my impression.

We have the cap space to sign Parise. I would say the Rangers or the Red Wings are his top 2 if he wants to go to a cup contending team. He fits the Rangers style, and likes Torts so there’s always a chance.

Worry about the raises later, DZ will get his raise in time. Or Sather can always work his magic on the trading block. We need more skill on the power play. Personally I want Parise, and he won’t cost us any players come July 1st. It could be win / win for both parties involved.

“Carp May 24th, 2012 at 3:16 pm
i don’t get the killer instinct thing at all.”

someone else said it (sorry to whoever i don’t recall)
about not taking a 2 goal lead or a 2 game lead
that sort of thing
heck
even Torts said during the press conference that the team stopped “making plays”
YES, i was very impressed with their ability to keep coming at the devils
but it did seem like a bit of a letdown soon after they tied it
rather than staying with it and getting goal number 4 and/or 5, 6, 7…..

I try not to criticize any of our players, hate looking for scapegoats, but, by some reason, nobody annoys me like MDZ, even from his very “sensational” rookie appearance with all this hopeful brouhaha. I don’t care how many goals he scores, and despite of his (some) obvious offensive abilities and sometimes randomly demonstrated in this season “brilliance”, which at times looked more like crazed, reckless, spontaneous outbursts, I truly believe he is the dumbest (in hockey sense) Rangers’ player by far (J.Scott notwithstanding for lack of information). Every time he plays in D- zone, or at offensive blue line point, my bickels drops to the socks in bad anticipation, which comes true more often than not. It’s not just mistakes, like constantly wrong choice of position, lack of sense of developing play in the game and miscalculation in body throwing and puck handling, but it’s continues repetition, what makes me feel that it is a clinical, if not a medical case. You can’t teach this unfortunately. Other than that he is a wonderful kid, but again it is not a profession. Negative balance in offence/defense abilities cost this team too much. Verdict :( jokes aside) – trade him!

I have not been able to log into this site since the Washington series, so I apologize if I’m repeating what others have already stated. Bun in my opinion, the only thing the Rangers need to do for game six is… Have Messier give a pregame speech where he explains that he’s never been around a harder working team with as much heart as these guys. The fans, management, everyone knows your all beaten up, but if you could just spit in the draggons eye for two more games… You’ll be by far the most beloved Rangers team in history, regardless of if you win or don’t win the cup!

Anyway, call me a simple rangers fan who needs his heros… But this is what needs to be done!

Carp, its really embarassing how many ‘experts’ are breaking down this team and the playoffs like they have any clue at all. In any event, I still see this coming back to MSG Sunday. Lundqvist will be much better, and I expect to see the Rangers from last night, on the ice tmrw at the Pebble. Let’s go rangers!!

I hope Zuc replaces Rupp in the line up. For the 4 to 6 minutes of ice time the 4th line gets, he brings so much more offensive potential. And our PP works better with him on it. Rupper is a good soldier but does not play special teams and there are no Devil goons out there for him to fight…

If Henrik and Richards play great games tomorrow night then we will win. I think our BIG 3 top D have to play better, like they had been playing in the prior two series.

Not only am I hoping/praying with my heart for us to win and I also think and believe in my brain that we are the better team and will win

Latona… The Rangers traded all their good young players in 1994 to win the cup that year and were a horrible team for many years to come there after. Everyone on this current team is a Ranger and only a Ranger, with The Rangers being the only team that they’ve ever played for. If they get past the devils, win or lose in the finals, people will look forward to next year starting than maybe anyother start to a previous season .

Seriously, how does Pekka Rinne get more votes than Lundqvist and Datsyuk get outvoted by Tavares? This is exactly what happened in the voting for the cover of next year’s EA hockey video game. Wow. Really?

Up to my ears at work, but I had to read the prior post, and I wasn’t disappointed. With a few exceptions ( a couple of jackwagons don’t count), it was a great discussion. I think most of you get it. Yev, loved yours especially.

Funny, how fast we forget. This wasn’t supposed to be about this year. It was supposed to be 4-6 place with comfortable playoff position early in the year. They were supposed to get into second round, MAYBE in EC finals, and lose a couple of heartbreakers so that our young guys gain an invaluable experience. Look were we are now, folks. This team is special. Instead of complaining and nitpicking, enjoy the ride. Is anyone doubting they will play their best tomorrow? I’ll tell you what, I am more comfortable going to NJ tomorrow after the way they played last night, and lost, instead of going there 3-2 up had they won yesterday in similar fashion they won game 3.
Do you really doubt that Hank will be at his best, after his less than stellar performance (3rd goal was on him, the rest of them were not. Except we do expect him to save what other goalies don’t)? All I know that they are playing very good, much more experienced team, but I like NY’s chances. Because that’s what they did all year long, and in the playoffs. Can’t wait!

CTO- I respectfully disagree with you calling a 21 year old MDZ a coward. Based on one play, that to me doesn’t display anything remotely cowardly? He’s taken, and given hard hits, was knocked down hard, had been hit by a stick on his face. A coward? Cowards do not play hockey.

i still don’t see how that was cowardly. or even costly. Two Devils coming down the boards, one of them among the best offensive players in the NHL. He engages him. He has support in Staal — who bashed Gionta, by the way, and two forwards back. Including Alternate Captain Clutch, who did a drive by and left it up to the rookie, who was late.

I understand completely, Latona – I feel the same way as you do. The galling thing about this situation (to me, anyway) is that if we don’t succeed in our mission to get to the Cup Final series, look who we had stop us – and look who we handed the opportunity to to play for another Cup.

I can’t speak for any other bonehead, only myself – but I can honestly say that there is *NO* team that I would detest losing to more than the one we are trailing right now – bar none, this team holds a special place in my inner pit of hatred. Philly, Pittsburgh, Montreal, Boston, even the Fishsticks – are not even close, at this point.

Jimbo- I’m in your shoes, feel the same. I detest the Devils more than any other team, by a wide margin. But they are better than the 2 we played before. And I can assure you that most of NY players hate NJ even more than we do. They either win, and feel great, or take it as another page added to their experience.

This team is like a third child to me. I feel like they called from school and said, “Dad, I am close to graduating, but this one class has been giving me a really hard time and I failed my last exam. The teacher is going to let me retake it, and if I pass I can do some extra credit and graduate.” Game 6 being the retake and extra credit being game 7. I know that sounds lame as hell and pretty corny when I read it out loud, but it is just how I am feeling today.

Actually it was Don la Grecca. His opinion is just as valid as yours on MDZ and that play. He is a huge hockey fan who understands this game. There were also a number of fans who called in in agreement. Although many also blamed Hags for being late on the coverage just to be fair. I want him traded as part of a package that brings back a good scorer in return. I never said he should be cut nor do I believe has anyone else for that matter.

Ilb

I welcome your opinion and will not ridicule you for it just because you don’t agree with me. We will have to agree to disagree. My opinion is not based on that one play. It is based on watching his play over the course of the whole season. Read Newman’s post in the last thread.

Carp,
It’s not what we will have for MDZ, but rather I’m not be too upset, if he will be included in any packages in pursuit of any star forward or D-man, if it comes to trade. Also, there are, fortunately, certain good D-men in a system and coming next season. He is a nice, brave kid, but his inconsistency will be always an issue and ultimately cost us crucial games more often than not. But again, it is just my subjective opinion and I’ll be first, who will gladly admit, that I was wrong, if it miraculously develops differently.

I did, CTO…And I watched as many of his games as you did. He’s had his ups and downs, and at 21 is still learning. We are not talking about his hockey skills, that is debatable, but I don’t think the word coward is applicable in this situation.

ilb, you’ve been around this game for a long time – you know what’s going on – I don’t know if you saw something I wrote a day or so ago, but basically, it want like this…

Yes, we have some great prospects on the team, and we could be a contender for years to come. But a lot of us thought that same thing after the glorious Cup win in 1994. It did not turn out this way, and here we are, 18 years ago *to the day* where we have not been in such a position since 1994.

My only point is – yes, we really didn’t expect to win a cup this year – and yes, we’re playing with “house money” by getting this far with such a young, inexperienced team – but it’s my contention that *every season has a life of it’s own*. We can’t guarantee future success. At my age, I may not have another 18 years to wait to get to another Cup final.

When a team gets this close, they should go for broke and do *anything that they can* to win – because they may never get the same opportunity again.

Again, we will have to agree to disagree. As for his skills, I don’t think there is much there. I also question his hockey sense and his decision making ability. He has no shot, his passing is decent at best and his skating is average. So to me, he is easily replaceable and if included a piece of a package to land someone like Nash or Bobby Ryan, I would not miss him in the least bit.

I saw it, Jimbo….I do not think the feeling around ’94, while glorious, was that it will be a contender for many years. They sold their youth for that Cup, it was worth it, one can argue. And I am not a spring chicken myself, but sometimes those things do not unfold the way one would want in their lifetime. And while I agree, you never know what the next season brings (lockout, anyone?), one should be pretty optimistic about what we have in the years to come. And you need to feel comfortable that this team will give all they have, because they showed it already time after time.

Jonathan e was the protagonist from the 1975 cult classic rollerball. After his buddy was killed playing a no rules game against tokyo he loses his mind. In the finals against new york he goes nutto and he offs a couple of opponents himself. In the end our protagonist remembers who he is a spares a new York rollerballers life in the end. Point being is devils are going to finally feel the weight of what’s at stake and our leaders are gonna spare themselves. Thank you poster Jonathan e for reminding me of this very scenario.

I also believe that McD is by far a better player than MdZ. Both on the defensive side of the game and on the offensive side. Watch the play he makes in the second period last night. He gets around two Devils and deftly, dishes a perfect pass to BR who promptly flubbed the shot on Uncle Daddy. The point is, McD has played in less games and gets far less time in an offensive role and still only put up about 9 less points than MDZ. You don’t think that if given the PP time MdZ gets,he would not have more production than him? And yes I know it takes some players longer than others to develop but to me, MdZ has not at all improved past where he was in his first year.

On a side note, I believe that McD is already the best dman on the Rangers and may already be one of the top ten defensemen in the game today.

Jimbo- they do not ask anything from us, but I’m sure they appreciate if we do not give up on them, no matter how difficult it may be. Trust me, it’s much easier to get upset and start bashing the team when they are playing like garbage than staying positive and supporting them. Anger and blame is the easiest way to unload your negative emotions when things go wrong, keeping faith requires another level of self control.

After what I’ve seen this season, I believe I’ll leave the personnel decisions up to the guys who built this team- they seem to have a better grasp of player development than I do. Not that we can’t kick it around. Rangers sold their future for the cup in ’94? Would have sold my soul… What Messier did here can never be underestimated (ask any Cub fan).

You know, I thought it would be so much fun to hear some hockey talk on the radio. About a week and a half ago I just started wishing everyone would shut up- its like listening to the apes in 2001 talking about the monolith- no clue and out of their depth of understanding.

JimboWoodside May 24th, 2012 at 6:40 pm
I’ll say just one more thing – If I could have known ahead of time that we would defeat the Craps, but only to go on to lose to our current opponent, I would have much preferred losing to Washington.

Could not disagree more. The Devils are anathema. But the Penguins are a far more odious opponent. By leaps and bounds. And be soothed — Brodeur’s awful goaltending WILL catch up to him. Be thankful this is not a best-of-five.

I like MDZ but my issue is he is not fast and has no real quickness. McD is fast and quick. But MDZ isn’t and that’s what gets him in defensive trouble. I like him and think he is good but if he was quicker or fast then he would be better. He is just slow. Needs to work hard on that in off season. An off season that won’t start for another month btw

And, I am fully confident in the Rangers tomorrow with whatever lineup they choose to dress. In fact, I predict their best game of the series tomorrow. And, and even better one on Sunday….

This team responds when it matters most. As a fan who followed this team closely over the last two seasons, I will be shocked if we don’t see a great effort and gutsy performance tomorrow. It’s in their DNA. They play better with their backs against the wall….

Hey do you guys think that when Messier made his guarantee that he thought about the potential media consequences and franchising opportunities for the rest of his life or was he just referring to a hockey game?

I like strallman too, and he has been really solid these playoffs ans great on the PP, but i dont see him coming back next year. I think mgmt wants to incorporate erixon more, and i think torts loves bickels toughness, even though he can be a defensive liability at times. I also think if sauer returns, plus a solid free agent pickup will hurt his chances in returning. I also think mitchell might be gone and fedotenko too. Dubie and artie will always be trade bait while they are here, but i think they survive the summer….anyway, enough offseason talk! I dont wanna jinx them! Final score, rangers 2 devils 1

Manny i think mess firmly believed they were going to win. I dont think he thought of consequences when he said it or what kind of media attention it would get. Thats why he was the best team leader ever in the NHL.

I have family in Sweden (Gothenburg). Been there numerous times. Detroit definitely has the biggest following there because of guys like Lidstrom and Zetterberg but the Rangers are now a close 2nd. Lundqvist is insanely popular there. I met him in Gothenburg a few years ago at a bar. Extremely nice person and a great guy to have a beer with.

Today was from a fan’s perspective a rough day….emotions got the better of me and thought everything is done and over……but then I watched the last ten of Game 5 against the Caps on DVR and said to my wife “if any team can overcome this nonsense, it’s this Rangers team.” LET’S GO RANGERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I don’t get to post on here too often, but I just wanted to say support your team!!! I hate it when fans have this flat out stupid/irrational thinking regarding their team. Support your team through the good and bad! If the Rangers lose tomorrow, that does not mean that Lundqvist is a piece of garbage and we will never win with him. Let’s Go Rangers!

It’s so hard trying to join you, guys and gals… All these references to “carcillo” this and that, “byfuglien” this and that. what does it all mean ? Who was “prucha’ed”, huh ? Let be bygones be bygones, maybe that’s the charm of a “fan” blog that tries embarassingly hard to develop an “insider” lingo, while just being Customers. Nobody conratulated me on being “happily married” when I mentioned that, but most people say “get well Miami and Tony” for their misfortunes, LOL! Some of you should really experience a “late hit” or a “slew foot” that you emotionally abhor – in your own life.
Grabbed a stand-in for Carp, all things he wouldn’t tell you, because he is a nice guy to boot.

Newbear – it’s not so much insider lingo as it is many different types of personalities each with different sense if humor . To wit, lately nearly every one of my recent posts has been real or imagine quote from that amazing orator JR – nothing inside lingo about it – you either find it clever, silly, or stupid….

The reactions of yo’all are wery appreciated, but not less confusing, “new life” ?? huh ?? Congrats, what for ? Do you have to get cancer to elicit some twofaced “get well” blogcards ?
How touching, the whole emotional milieu of you bunch just does not seem righ – may it just be that a “fan” today is not a fan of 1976, Perhaps a bit more narcissistic, yessssss.